Information on Medicare Annual Enrollment and More
Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15th – December 7th
If you turned 65 in 2025, you’re probably thinking about enrolling in Medicare (if you haven’t already). If you haven’ started Social Security yet, now’s the time to apply to Medicare. Medicare’s annual open enrollment period each year is from October 15th to December 7th. If you enroll, your coverage will begin on January 1 (as long as the plan gets your request by December 7th).
Determining when you must enroll in Medicare can be complicated. Depending on your situation, you may be automatically enrolled, or you may have to proactively enroll. If you must follow the Initial Enrollment Period rules, there is the additional complication of determining when coverage starts. We recommend using a consultant when enrolling in Medicare.
Appealing an IRMAA Surcharge Based on a Life-Changing Event
Of the four major entitlement programs, Medicare Part B includes IRRMA surcharges. When you enroll in Medicare Part B, the premiums you pay are partially depending on your income reported two years ago on your federal tax return. Therefore for 2025, your surcharge would be based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) from your 2023 tax return. If your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll have to pay higher premiums. This higher premium amount is known as your income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).
However, incomes can change from year to year, so you need a way of requesting reconsideration or appeal of IRMAA surcharges through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if your income changes due to a “life-changing event”. Life-changing events that qualify are marriage, divorce/annulment, death of a spouse, work stoppage, work reduction, loss of income-producing property, loss of pension income, and employer settlement payment. The way to do this is with Social Security Form SSA-44.
What is Form SSA-44?
Form SSA-44 is a form providing by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you can use to apply for a reduction in your IRMAA. If you’ve been notified that your premiums for either Medicare Part B or prescription drug coverage include an IRMAA, then you can complete and submit this form if you experience a life-changing event that reduces your income.
Who Should Fill Out Form SSA-44?
You may use this form if you received a notice that your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) or prescription drug coverage premiums include an income-related monthly adjustment (IRMAA) and you experienced a life-changing event that may reduce your IRMAA. Life-changing events that qualify are marriage, divorce/annulment, death of a spouse, work stoppage, work reduction, loss of income-producing property, loss of pension income, and employer settlement payment.
You do not need to complete this form if you are not already paying an IRMAA.
How to Submit Form SSA-44
To Submit your completed Form SSA-44, you can either mail the form (and your documentation) to your local Social Security office or you can take it in person. You can make a claim at the time you experience any life-changing event that reduces your income. The benefit of visiting an office in person is that you can show your documents to an SSA employee instead of mailing them to the office and being without them for any period of time. We recommend making an appointment with the Social Security office and submitting the form in person.
If you’d like additional information or need any guidance, please reach out to us.
